PITTSBURGH JAZZ

From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlanto Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.

Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s? Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?

Some answers can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.

For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz. One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical. We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it. When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.

Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.

THE PASSING OF LENNY GLICK

For those you who might know yet know, but there was a passing of yet another local musican. I'm talking about the piano player, Lenny Glick. If any of you knew him or worked with him, I bet it would make his family and other friends who read any posting you might make on hisObituary Pageon the Pittsburgh Post Gazette site, have some comfort in your words.

I performed with him often, in the 70's & 80's, in various R&B groups and again just a year ago.

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GLICK LEONARD F.
On Wednesday, July 14, 2010; Beloved husband and best friend of Sandy Glick. Loving father of Betsy Glick and Matthew (Emily) Glick. Step-father of Randi (Steve) Brand and Lauren Hoffman and her fiance Chris Ondich. Devoted son of Manny and Dorothy Glick. Brother of Ronnilynn (William) Berg. Grandpa of Jessica and Marley. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may meet at RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC. 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Sunday at 10 AM and then proceed to Homewood Cemetery/Star of David Section for 11 AM Graveside Services. Contributions may be made to Cedars Community Hospice, 4363 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb

Thank you for posting this Jerry. I remember Lenny when he worked with Ric Maroni and Ginny Hill and Sheena Berkley. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good man and I know how much he enjoyed playing the piano. RIP Lenny.